Resorts World sees quick recovery for Hong Kong’s passenger cruise market as it eyes local, mainland tourists
- Resorts World launched the maiden voyage of the 13-deck Resorts World One from its home port of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on Friday
- The return of mainland Chinese tourists to Hong Kong is boosting recovery hopes across many sectors, including retail, property and aviation
Resorts World Cruises, the new company set up by Malaysian billionaire Lim Kok Thay, believes the cruise passenger business in Hong Kong has a better chance of a quick recovery than its business hub rival Singapore.
Resorts World launched the maiden voyage of the 13-deck Resorts World One from its home port of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on Friday, following a glitzy event earlier in the day attended by the company’s top executives, local tourism officials and other partners.
“In terms of infrastructure, both Hong Kong and Singapore are equally good,” said Michael Goh, president of the Singapore-based cruise operator. “Hong Kong has a good international flight connection, and is a very popular destination for international travellers.”
The launch of Resorts World’s three sailings a week from Hong Kong comes after the city and mainland China abandoned Covid-19 related restrictions, finally allowing unrestricted travel in both jurisdictions.
Hong Kong held the crown for the most visited place in the world for a decade until 2018, according to market research group Euromonitor International.
